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Vauxhall Monza Concept To Be Revealed at Frankfurt

By raccars Published 28 August 2013

Vauxhall has been excitedly touting its revival of the Monza name and the world is about to see it in the flesh. Teaser photos of the range-extending electric vehicle show a resemblance to the new Cascada convertible but in the form of a coupe – with gullwing doors...

Power will come from an updated version of the system already successfully implemented in the Vauxhall Ampera/Chevrolet Volt, with a three cylinder turbocharged 1.0 litre engine that acts to charge up a set of batteries. What's new is that this one will run on Compressed Natural Gas. The absence of any traditional fuel helps to keep emissions low, a neat trick Vauxhall intends to use for other models.

The Monza is given a distinctive look with a pair of roof hinged gullwing doors, giving easy access to the four seats inside. Pictures show design inspiration from Vauxhall's new Insignia, particularly at the front, with boldly curved front air intakes and a full width chrome bar supporting the Vauxhall badge. The long flanks get a silver contour line along the wheelbase and framing the front wheel air vents with a slight return at the top. A matching strake highlights the roof line, kicking back into a narrow slit of LED tail light. The Monza broadens out towards the rear but retains its curves around the back, sporting a fairly aggressive set of rear tyres with appropriately in your face arches.

The 500 litre boot belies the Monza's low, sleek silhouette and complements an ultra modern cabin, with a full width projected LED fascia displaying 3D driving information in customisable format and operated with voice or steering wheel controls. Multiple smartphone synchronisation is provided through the centre console, allowing the sharing of information, music and navigation information. The much touted next step in auto infotech, car to car connectivity, is also built in, to allow for possible autonomous driving systems in the future.

GM Europe has been clear that the Monza is more than an idea, suggesting it will set the tone for a range wide design language. The Monza has a pretty hardcore look, with swooping curves complementing sharp lines from Vauxhall's head of design in Britain, Mark Adams, that could be softened into production form. However, production status has not been confirmed, with industry rumour instead pointing towards a coupe variant of the Cascada.